My name is Lexi. I'm 26 years old and started a low carb WOE about 2 weeks ago. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family, so I'm doing this not only to drop some weight, but for my overall health as well. I'm not following any particular eating plan right now. I just keep my carb intake under 50g a day (usually around 25-35g) and try to cook as much as possible, with the occasional prepackaged Atkins bar or lettuce wrapped cheeseburger from a fast food joint on the go. I don't notice a huge difference in how I feel yet, other than the fact that I'm less hungry than usual. I don't feel like eating everything in sight. I also feel like I'm starting to sleep better, although I've been getting headaches this week during the afternoon. All in all, I'm happy that I've been able to manage my hunger (so far).

I haven't weighed myself, but I'm guessing my weight is right around 200lbs. I'm 5'5". I try not to utilize the scale because I have a history of disordered eating and I find it to be a trigger for me. I'm trying to be healthier, not just be skinny, so I'm focusing less on the numbers and more on how I feel. I'm hoping the weight loss will just fall into place.

I look forward to getting to know you all and I hope to adopt this WOE as a lifetime health milestone. If any of you ever need anything, please feel free to reach out to me. I promise I'm approachable most days.

Good on ya for doing this while you are young and healthy, I am guilty of having a sense of invincibility. I also have an addictive personality, have had my brush with alcohol,drugs,gambling, a very real fight with smoking and now scared straight with a diagnosis of diabetes...anyways, I too have made a pledge to be healthy, whatever shape that is. I look forward to sharing this journey....welcome!

Welcome Lexi,

You will likely be successful because your goal is a long-term one for heath reasons... My only advice would be to pick a plan...it truly helps stay on track in the beginning to have some rules to follow. Read through the Newbie Advice sticky...first piece of advice is to Know your plan. Just eating lowish carbs may work for someone young and healthy, and may work after you are at goal, but guidelines help to start.

One favorite source for LC plans is https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb. Gives you good options for plans, but all are based on real foods. You'll find different opinions on using bars and diet sodas...decide for yourself how you feel, or do you have cravings, after using them. The Atkins plan most suggested here is at the top of the Atkins forum.

All the best,

Thank you so much for your welcomes and your advice! I'm going to take some time this week to read through some of the plans. I started reading DANDR by Dr Atkins and that is what most closely resembles the WOE I do now. I'll probably end up adopting that plan, but I'll read up on the others too before I commit.

Hey, Welcome Lexi, Wow, what sensible young lady you sound like...I'm pretty impressed with your clear thinking and your great attitude toward this journey. There is tons of resources on this site...be careful tho, It can get a bit confusing and overwhelming. Keep your eye on the prize and remember, one day at a time..stop by and meet me sometime, I love company, ttyl